New carpet has been installed in the Euphoria Lounge.Here's what's changed in the couple of weeks since my cruise: Updates are ongoing, they told me, such as the painting I witnessed during my trip. Because that wasn't the case, I asked the cruise line's public relations team what the timeline was for completion.

(Photo by Tarah Chieffi/The Points Guy)Īfter chatting with other passengers, I learned that the ship is currently only in phase one of a three-phase refurbishment.īecause the inaugural sailing had already been delayed, I assumed that meant the ship would be fully renovated when I stepped on board. That cost covers your accommodations meals (aside from specialty dining) select nonalcoholic beverages such as water, coffee and tea entertainment and onboard activities. It's hard to complain about a cruise that starts at just over $250 per person (before gratuities and fuel charges). The atrium, though small, with its freshly painted light blue-and-white walls and subtle tropical theming, made the ship feel brand-new.įor more cruise news, reviews and tips, sign up for TPG’s cruise newsletter.Īs I explored the rest of the ship, my hopes were high that I would return home from my sailing with the recommendation that Margaritaville at Sea was the ideal weekend getaway for both Parrotheads and the not-yet-indoctrinated Jimmy Buffett fans alike.īy the end of my two-night voyage to Grand Bahama Island, however, I realized the best advice I could give to future cruisers is to hold off until the Margaritaville dream has been fully realized.

I knew going into this cruise that Margaritaville at Sea Paradise was a 30-year-old ship, previously run by Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line, that had received a multimillion-dollar Margaritaville-themed refurbishment. As I stepped off the gangway and into the atrium for one of Margaritaville at Sea Paradise's first sailings, I saw a massive blue flip-flop sculpture surrounded by a white life buoy, both emblazoned with the name of the cruise line.

Tales from margaritaville